Faith Leaders to Discuss Future of Indiana’s Environment on March 12

At 1:30 PM on Saturday, March 12, people of faith from across Indiana will gather at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS), 1000 W. 42nd Street, for a powerful dialogue on Indiana’s environment entitled “Interfaith Voices for the Earth: Our Common Home.” Bringing clarity to what diverse faith traditions share in common, as well as those features that are distinctive, the gathering will aim to foster a powerful unity of spirit to care for creation.

Organized by Hoosier Interfaith Power & Light (H-IPL), the conversation will be moderated by Rev. Dr. Matthew Myer Boulton, president of CTS.

Panelists will include Archbishop Joseph Tobin of the Indianapolis Archdiocese; Rabbi Paula Winnig, executive director of the Jewish Bureau of Education; Hazem Bata, General Secretary of the Islamic Society of North America; and H-IPL board member Annette Johnson, who is a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

Musicians performing original environmentally themed music are scheduled from 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. The panel conversation is planned for 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served following the panel conversation with time for networking from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

For free tickets, please register for event at HoosierIPL.org/OurCommonHome. Registration is free but required. A $10 donation is suggested to offset costs, and will be welcomed at check-in.

Attendance is expected to be over 400 people, perhaps the largest gathering of faith-rooted environmentalists in Indiana history. There will also be ample time for networking, tabling, and meeting others from across Indiana.

What: Interfaith Voices for the Earth: Our Common Home

When: Doors open at 1:00 PM, Saturday, March 12, 2016. Music starts at 1:30. Panel Conversation begins at 2:00. Networking time is from 3:30 to 4:30.

Who: Sponsored by Christian Theological Seminary, the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg, and Hoosier Interfaith Power & Light, major speakers include Rev. Dr. Matthew Myer Boulton, president of CTS. Panelists will include Archbishop Joseph Tobin of the Indianapolis Archdiocese; Rabbi Paula Winnig, executive director of the Jewish Bureau of Education; Hazem Bata, General Secretary of the Islamic Society of North America; and H-IPL board member Annette Johnson, who is a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

Why: 2016 is a landmark and critical election year for Indiana’s environment and climate. With Pope Francis’ groundbreaking environmental encyclical, more and more people of faith are becoming vocal advocates for the care of creation.